Rage Of The Norsemen

Cult of Odhinn

There is evidence to indicate that the terrifying true berserk were initiates of an Odhinn cult. It was believed that they could change themselves into animals whenever they wished. They did leaping dances with spears and swords and wearing horned helmets. These men were usually part of a chieftain’s household, not marrying until they retired. To induce their battle frenzies, they may have used a type of self-hypnosis or trance-inducing plants. It was well known that neither fire nor steel could stop them in battle; only an instant death wound could bring down a berserker.